Cities and Towns in Mower County, Minnesota
Founded in 1855, Mower County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Mower County was formed from Rice County. The city of Austin is the county seat. With FIPS code of 99, Mower County has a population of 40,158 and area of 711.50 square miles (1,843 km²).
List of all cities in Mower County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Adams, MN | 55909 | 507 |
| Andyville, MN | 55912 | 507 |
| Austin, MN | 55912 | 507 |
| Bennington, MN | 55936 | 507 |
| Brownsdale, MN | 55918 | 507 |
| Dexter, MN | 55926 | 507 |
| Elkton, MN | 55933 | 507 |
| Frankford, MN | 55936 | 507 |
| Grand Meadow, MN | 55936 | 507 |
| Johnsburg, MN | 55909 | 507 |
| Lansing, MN | 55950 | 507 |
| Le Roy, MN | 55951 | 507 |
| Lyle, MN | 55953 | 507 |
| Nevada, MN | 55953 | 507 |
| Nicolville, MN | 55912 | 507 |
| Racine, MN | 55967 | 507 |
| Red Rock, MN | 55918 | 507 |
| Rose Creek, MN | 55970 | 507 |
| Sargeant, MN | 55973 | 507 |
| Taopi, MN | 55977 | 507 |
| Waltham, MN | 55982 | 507 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mower County, Minnesota
1. Austin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 11.55 square miles
- Population: 25,000 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 55912
- Latitude: 43.6667° N
- Longitude: 92.9779° W
City Location and History:
Austin, the county seat of Mower County, is located in the southeastern part of Minnesota, near the Iowa border. It sits along the banks of the Cedar River and serves as a regional hub for agriculture, industry, and commerce. Founded in 1854, Austin was initially a small settlement, but its growth accelerated in the late 19th century with the arrival of the railroad. The city’s location along major transportation routes helped establish it as a center for commerce and trade in the region. Austin’s most notable historical event is the founding of the Hormel Company in 1891 by George A. Hormel, which later became a global leader in food processing. The city’s strong ties to the meatpacking industry, especially with Hormel’s presence, shaped Austin’s economic development and provided a significant source of employment for decades. Over the years, Austin has diversified its economy, with healthcare, education, and retail also playing key roles in its growth. Today, Austin is known for its rich industrial history, vibrant community, and cultural offerings, including museums, theaters, and annual festivals.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Austin is home to the Austin Public Schools district, which includes Austin High School, Ellis Middle School, and multiple elementary schools. The city also hosts Riverland Community College, a well-regarded institution offering two-year degrees and vocational training. Austin is known for several important landmarks, such as the Hormel Historic Home, which is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Hormel founder George A. Hormel. The Spam Museum, located in the heart of downtown, showcases the history of Hormel’s flagship product and attracts visitors from across the country. The Austin ArtWorks Center, a cultural hub for the arts, hosts performances, exhibits, and educational programs. The city is also home to the picturesque Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and natural beauty. Austin’s vibrant downtown area features a range of shops, restaurants, and businesses, contributing to the city’s bustling atmosphere. Austin is also known for the annual Austin ArtWorks Festival, which brings together local artists and performers for a weekend of creative expression.
2. Grand Meadow
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.22 square miles
- Population: 1,100 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 55936
- Latitude: 43.7234° N
- Longitude: 92.5360° W
City Location and History:
Grand Meadow is a small city located in the southeastern part of Mower County, approximately 25 miles southeast of Austin. The city is situated in a rural farming area, surrounded by rolling hills and open farmland. Founded in the 1850s, Grand Meadow was originally a railroad stop and agricultural center. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century was a pivotal moment for the town, allowing farmers to ship their goods more easily to larger markets. Agriculture has remained central to Grand Meadow’s economy, with crops like corn, soybeans, and hay being the main products of the surrounding farms. Over the years, the town’s population remained small but steady, with a strong emphasis on rural life and community. Today, Grand Meadow is a close-knit community with a low population but a strong sense of local pride and tradition.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Grand Meadow is served by the Grand Meadow School District, which includes the Grand Meadow Public School, where students attend grades K-12. The school is a focal point of community life, offering a range of academic and extracurricular activities for local students. The city has a few notable landmarks, including the Grand Meadow City Park, which features picnic areas, walking paths, and space for community events. The town also has a rich agricultural heritage, with several farms in the surrounding area offering opportunities for visitors to learn about rural life. Grand Meadow hosts the annual Grand Meadow Harvest Festival, which celebrates the region’s agricultural roots with a parade, music, games, and local food. The festival draws people from surrounding towns and is an important event for the community. The town’s small size and rural location make it a peaceful and idyllic place to live, with residents enjoying a slower pace of life in a welcoming environment.
3. Rose Creek
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.15 square miles
- Population: 500 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 55970
- Latitude: 43.6691° N
- Longitude: 92.9887° W
City Location and History:
Rose Creek is a small town located in the northeastern part of Mower County, just a few miles northeast of Austin. The town was established in the 1880s and named after the nearby creek, which is believed to have been named for the wild roses that once grew along its banks. Rose Creek has historically been a rural agricultural community, with farming serving as the main economic activity. The town’s growth was initially fueled by the arrival of the railroad, which helped transport agricultural products to larger markets. Although the town’s population remained small, Rose Creek has maintained its rural charm and quiet lifestyle. It is known for its tight-knit community and peaceful environment, making it a popular location for those who want to live in a rural setting while still being close to the amenities and services of nearby Austin.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Rose Creek is part of the Austin Public Schools district, with students attending school in nearby Austin. The town’s community life is centered around local churches, businesses, and service organizations. One of the main landmarks in Rose Creek is the Rose Creek City Park, a green space that offers recreational opportunities for residents. The park features a ballfield, picnic areas, and walking paths. Additionally, the Rose Creek Cemetery is a historical site where many of the town’s early settlers are buried. While the town itself is small, Rose Creek’s rural location and connection to the agricultural economy make it a charming place for those seeking a peaceful, countryside lifestyle. The town’s low population and close-knit community foster a strong sense of belonging and pride among its residents.
4. Dexter
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.52 square miles
- Population: 350 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 55926
- Latitude: 43.8180° N
- Longitude: 92.9794° W
City Location and History:
Dexter is a small town located in the southwestern part of Mower County, about 15 miles southeast of Austin. Founded in the 1880s, Dexter was originally a railroad town and grew quickly due to its strategic location along the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Omaha Railway. As a stop for the railroad, Dexter became an important hub for shipping agricultural products from the surrounding region, particularly grain and livestock. Over the years, Dexter has remained a small, tight-knit community with a strong agricultural heritage. The town’s population has remained steady, and it retains much of its historical character, with local businesses, churches, and schools playing central roles in community life. Though agriculture is still vital to the local economy, Dexter has diversified over time, with some residents commuting to nearby towns like Austin for work.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Dexter is served by the Austin Public Schools district, with students attending schools in nearby Austin. The town’s school district provides a quality education and fosters a strong sense of community engagement through extracurricular programs and local events. Dexter’s main landmark is the Dexter City Park, which is a popular spot for outdoor activities like picnicking, walking, and sports. The town also hosts the annual Dexter Days, a community festival that features a parade, live music, and games for all ages. This event highlights the town’s small-town charm and offers residents and visitors a chance to come together and celebrate their shared community. Dexter’s quiet, rural atmosphere combined with its proximity to larger cities like Austin makes it an attractive place to live for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle while still having access to city amenities.
5. Brownsdale
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.49 square miles
- Population: 600 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 55918
- Latitude: 43.7841° N
- Longitude: 92.8487° W
City Location and History:
Brownsdale is a small town located in the southern part of Mower County, about 15 miles south of Austin. The town was founded in the late 19th century and grew as an agricultural community. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s contributed to its growth, as it allowed local farmers to transport their goods more efficiently. Brownsdale was named after the prominent Brown family, who were early settlers in the area. Agriculture has remained the backbone of the town’s economy, and the town’s rural setting offers a peaceful environment for its residents. While Brownsdale has remained small in size, it is known for its strong community spirit and small-town values. Over time, the town has adapted to the changing economy, with retail and service businesses growing alongside agriculture.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Brownsdale is part of the Hayfield Public Schools district, with students attending school in nearby Hayfield or Austin. The town is also home to the Brownsdale Community Center, a gathering place for local events, social activities, and community meetings. Brownsdale’s primary landmark is the Brownsdale City Park, which offers recreational amenities like a ballfield, picnic shelters, and walking paths. The town’s rural landscape, with its open fields and rolling hills, provides residents with beautiful natural surroundings. Brownsdale hosts an annual event, the Brownsdale Days celebration, which features a parade, food, music, and family-friendly activities. This event draws people from surrounding towns and highlights the community’s connection to its agricultural roots.
